SPORTS BLOGS
SPORTS BLOGS
category: sports
06 Oct 2009

One day, the LA Clippers will matter in the NBA.  Here’s 6 reasons from TheHoopDoctors.com:

 1. Blake Griffin
Speaking of red headed step-children…sorry, not cool? Anyways, in a draft that boasted only one clear-cut stud, the Clippers couldn’t have lucked out more when the balls fell in their lap. I mean when they were awarded the #1 Pick. After being projected as a Top-5 Pick in a very talented & deep 2008 NBA Draft Class, he was smart & mature enough to go back to the University of Oklahoma to refine his game for another year. This resulted in him winning every Player of the Year honor possible as he was a double-double machine. He even figured out how to throw down monstrous dunks while getting fouled by the backboard. Watch out NBA! He might have injured himself a little while being named the Las Vegas Summer League MVP, but this 20-year old is the future big man for the Clips.

2. Eric Gordon
The Clippers top pick from last year can score from all over the court. He averaged 16.1 points per game (third among rookies) and that number will only rise. He shot an impressive 45.6% from the field, 38.9% behind the arc, and 85.4% from the charity stripe. That is an all-around scoring game. In his last 49 games, he averaged 19.9 points. By the way, he is also only 20.

3. Zach Randolph
They somehow rid themselves of Zach Randolph, his horrible contract, his playing time, and everything else that he brings to the table. Yes, he might put up 20/10 every night, but he shoots less than 50% in the paint, jacks-up two 3-pointers per game, and can’t block a shot. Did I mention that he is a power forward?

4. The Three-Headed Monster
This consists of Marcus Camby, Chris Kaman, and DeAndre Jordan. Camby & Kaman missed a combined 71 games last year for a team that couldn’t afford to lose any talent, much less their two best big men. Camby might be getting old for NBA standards and is a huge question mark due to injuries, but he always finds a way to finish in the Top-10 in blocks & rebounds per game. Kaman looks to be healthy and will always scare opposing players if he grows out his hair. Jordan, the 7-foot 21-year old center, was a steal for the Clips last year. Coming into the draft with loads of potential, many people second guessed his work ethic. The Clippers made a smart gamble. He has proven himself since arriving in Los Angeles and was effective when given time last year. Against the cross-town foes, he put up 23 & 12. Not bad for a rookie.

5. Baron Davis
After averaging 21.1 points per game from 2006-08 for the Golden State Warriors, Davis was lured to Los Angeles by Elton Brand (and all of the hot chicks frolicking around the city). Everybody was stoked that he was going to help throw the Clippers back into the mix…then Brand bounced for Philly. After two months of solid basketball & 23 losses, Davis went down and phoned it in for the rest of the season. When he came back, he was just not the same player that had been electrifying crowds since he first laced up his high-tops. This year, we can expect Baron to be Baron. He’s got that bounce in his step, has young talent all around him, and…

6. LeBron James
This is easily the most important thing to watch. The Clippers have a chance to lure the greatest athlete I have ever seen play any sport in 2010. It might sound far fetched, but why not? They are located in Los Angeles, arguably the top media market in the world; he will get paid huge by Nike; he will be able to party in H-Wood every night of the week instead the few games he plays out there; he can watch his Billionaire Dream come true even quicker; they will have the money to pay him; and they will have a great foundation. Baron, Gordon, LBJ, Griffin, and Kaman with Al Thornton, Sebastian Telfair, and Jordon off the bench? Oh my! That is the kind of Foundation the Sports Guy spoke about. Some young guys to grow old with as he wins Championships!